Former Arsenal defender, Matty Upson, reckons that Rob Holding could be big for the Gunners in the future.

  • Upson played for Arsenal from 1997 – 2003
  • Holding’s made 16 senior appearances since signing from Bolton for £2m last summer
  • Former Gunner believes passionate players are important

Speaking recently, Upson hailed Holding and his calm commitment to the team.

“From what I’ve seen so far, I don’t think that’s unreasonable to think (that he’ll be a big player for Arsenal),” the ex-centreback told bwin.

“He could certainly benefit from more game time, that’s clear, but looking at the position he’s in and how he’s done, he has given himself a great opportunity to be given a place in the starting XI.

“Based on his character and how he plays, I think it’s important for Arsenal to keep him for the foreseeable future – he’s totally committed, calm and reassuring.”

After Arsenal signed Holding from Bolton for £2m last summer, the centreback spent most of his first season in north London warming the bench, which he probably expected. He’s only 21 and while he won Bolton’s Player of the Season last term, he’s now in the same squad as the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi.

However, since Arsene Wenger decided to start playing three at the back and therefore pushing full-backs forward, Holding has been seeing more football and has been impressing.

At the moment, Holding just seems happy to be included.

After his performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup at Wembley, the youngster took to social media to say, “What a feeling!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTPHw2Hl6LN/?taken-by=rholding95&hl=en

If he continues to focus and exhibit the passion he has been, he’ll have a bright career ahead of him.